not only without the order of the said William Bligh, but in concert with, and under the order of, the persons who had with the knowledge of the said Lieutenant Kent, illegally and by force dispossessed the said William Bligh of the government of New South Wales, whereto he had been appointed by His Majesty, and usurped the government of the colony, and who then kept the person of the said William Bligh in a state of illegal confinement at Port Jackson.
“Third, That Lieutenant James Symons, who had the command of the Lady Nelson tender, and was borne on the books of the Porpoise, having been, on or about the 1st of September, 1808, ordered by the said Lieutenant Kent, then commanding the said ship Porpoise (in pursuance of directions from the said William Bligh), to join the Lady Nelson, and not having obeyed such order, but in disobedience thereto having, on or about the 13th day of April, 1808, without any authority discharged himself from and quitted the King’s service, the said Lieutenant Kent being apprized thereof, did not do his endeavour to apprehend and bring to punishment the said Lieutenant James Symons for his said offence, but neglected to do so, and permitted him to sail from Port Jackson to England, with despatches from the persons who had so usurped the government of the colony.
“The above charges, as also Captain Bligh’s order to command the Porpoise, as senior captain, and an order from him to hoist and wear a broad pendant, being read, the prosecutor proceeded to produce evidence in support of the charges.
“Mr. Edmund Griffin, Secretary to Captain Bligh, called in and sworn.
“Q. What situation did you hold in New South Wales? – A. Secretary to Governor Bligh, and as commodore also.
“Q. At what period, and by whom, was I dispossessed of my government? – A. By Colonel Johnstone, on the 26th of January, 1808.
“Q. Lieutenant Kent was then absent from Sydney on service? – A. He was.
“Q. How soon did he return, and call on me? – A. To the best of my recollection, on the 29th March, 1808.
“Q. Did I then communicate to him my situation, and give him any directions or not, respecting the mooring of His Majesty’s ship Porpoise? – A. Governor Bligh did communicate in my presence his then situation, and directed Lieutenant Kent to go on board the Lady Nelson (tender to the Porpoise) and take care to do his duty. There was a conversation at the time on the subject.
“Q. Did I then tell him he was not to obey any orders but those he received from me? – A. Yes.
“Q. What answer did he make? – A. He said he was perfectly sensible he could not obey any orders but those of Governor Bligh, as commodore, or to that effect.
